Are you dreaming of a cozy winter escape with skiing, snowboarding, and snowy fun — without flying to the Alps? Welcome to Latvia, a hidden winter gem in the Baltics! While our hills are smaller than mountain resorts in the Alps or the Carpathians, Latvia offers well-equipped ski hills, family-friendly slopes, snow parks, night skiing, and beautiful winter landscapes that are perfect for a short ski trip from Lithuania.
And the best part? You can relax in comfort at Garden Apartments in Riga — the ideal base for ski excursions and a winter city break.
❄️ Top Ski Hills & Slopes in Latvia (Winter 2026)
🏆 1. Riekstukalns — Largest Ski Resort Near Riga
Just about 30 minutes from Riga, Riekstukalns is Latvia’s most popular downhill ski resort. It has multiple slopes (including Main Slope, Longest, Bordercross, Hobby, and Beginner areas), equipment rental, ski instructors, and night skiing options — ideal for both beginners and more adventurous skiers/snowboarders.
✔ Close to Riga — perfect for a half-day or full-day ski trip
✔ Variety of runs from easy to steeper descents
✔ Cafés, rentals, and ski gear services
✔ Beginners and families welcome
👉 A perfect choice if you are coming from Vilnius or Kaunas — hit the slopes early and be back for dinner in Riga!
Source: https://www.riekstukalns.lv/pakalpojumi
🏔️ 2. Žagarkalns — Cēsis Winter Recreation Centre
Located near Cēsis in Vidzeme, Žagarkalns offers several interconnected slopes of varying difficulty, a snowboarding park, ski school lessons, and magical views of winter forests. It’s one of Latvia’s best downhill skiing destinations for families and intermediate skiers.
✔ Multiple slopes with long and dynamic runs
✔ Snowboarding features & freestyle park
✔ Ski school and kids’ areas
✔ Cafés and rental gear
Combine Žagarkalns with an overnight stay at Garden Apartments and explore Cēsis old town too — a truly memorable winter weekend!
Source: https://www.valmieraszinas.lv/latvijas-sleposanas-trases-gatavojas-ziemas-sezonai-cenas-paliks-perna-gada-limeni/zagarkalns/ Foto: Pēteris Caune
🏔️ 3. Gaiziņkalns — The Highest Hill in Latvia
At 312 m above sea level, Gaiziņkalns is Latvia’s highest point and a classic winter skiing area in the Madona region. The hill offers a few scenic runs and is great for families and those who want to combine skiing with forest trails and cross-country skiing.
✔ Extraordinary winter scenery
✔ Several ski trails
✔ Cross-country skiing around the region
✔ Great for nature lovers
Perfect for a day trip or an extended ski-and-sightseeing weekend.
Source: https://www.celotajs.lv/lv/e/gaizinkalns
⛷️ 4. Milzkalns — Family Ski Centre
Milzkalns, near Tukums, offers multiple tracks of different levels, a snowpark for boarders, and gentle slopes for beginners — plus services like lift access and equipment rental.
✔ 11 ski tracks with varying difficulty
✔ Snowpark features
✔ Easy access from Riga and the coast
Source: https://www.slalom.lv/milzkalns/
⛷️ 5. Ozolkalns — Good Runs Near Cēsis
Ozolkalns is another popular slope near Cēsis, sometimes appreciated for its longer or steeper runs compared to neighboring hills.
✔ Excellent choice for intermediate riders
✔ Close to Žagarkalns — combine both hills
Source: https://www.infoski.lv/trases/kalnusleposana/ozolkalns
🏂 6. Other Ski Spots Across Latvia
Latvia has many smaller hills and slopes if you want variety or local exploration:
Mežezers (forest pistes)
Reiņa Trase (Sigulda)
Baiļi (Valmiera region)
Dēliņkalns & Ķauķu kalns (Alūksne area)
Zviedru cepure or Kamparkalns — more hidden gems for snowy fun
These may be ideal for local weekend getaways, beginners, or families with kids.
🌨️ Ski Season in Latvia — What to Expect in 2026
Latvia’s ski season typically runs from December through March — snow guns and night skiing help extend the season even when natural snow is limited. Conditions vary each year, so it’s best to check slope status before booking.
💡 Pro tip for Lithuanian visitors: Timing your trip around Christmas or February school holidays often means the slopes are more lively and fully open.
🏡 Why Choose Garden Apartments?
When you stay at Garden Apartments in Riga, you get:
🌟 Comfortable and stylish apartments — perfect after a day on the slopes
🌟 Excellent location and private parking — easy access by car to Riekstukalns, Žagarkalns, and other hills
🌟 Relaxation amenities — warm up, cook your dinner or order eat-in at the end of your snowy adventure
🌟 Easy travel from Lithuania — Riga is just a short drive or car ride from Vilnius or Klaipėda
Whether you’re planning a ski-and-city break, a family winter holiday, or a weekend escape, Garden Apartments is your cozy home base in Latvia.
Final Thoughts for Lithuanian Travelers
Latvia might not have massive mountain resorts — but what it does have are fun slopes, family-friendly ski centres, snowboarding parks, and beautiful winter scenery, all easily reachable from Lithuania. Ski Latvia in 2026, relax in Riga, and create winter memories that go beyond the ordinary! ❄️
👉 Ready to book? Visit www.rentalapartments.lv and start planning your Latvian ski adventure today!
